Lizzie is a film that had the potential to be a gripping psychological thriller, given its source material—the infamous case of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in 1892. However, despite its promising premise, the film falls short of expectations and leaves viewers with a sense of unfulfilled potential.

One of the major drawbacks of “Lizzie” is its pacing. The film moves at a sluggish pace, making it challenging for the audience to remain fully engaged. The slow and deliberate storytelling attempts to build tension, but it often feels forced and results in more frustration than anticipation. This pacing issue is further exacerbated by a lackluster script that fails to deliver the necessary emotional depth and character development needed to sustain interest.

The film’s biggest strength lies in its lead actors, Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart, who both deliver solid performances. Sevigny portrays Lizzie Borden with a quiet intensity, capturing the character’s internal struggles and suppressed emotions. Stewart, playing the family maid Bridget Sullivan, brings a raw and vulnerable quality to her role. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their performances elevate the material they are given. Unfortunately, the script fails to fully explore the complexities of their characters, leaving the audience craving more depth and insight into their motivations.

While the film attempts to explore themes of oppression and rebellion, it does so in a heavy-handed and predictable manner. The social and familial constraints placed on Lizzie are evident, but the narrative lacks subtlety in addressing these issues. The film’s attempts at social commentary feel forced, and the exploration of feminist themes lacks the nuance needed to make a significant impact.

Visually, “Lizzie” is competent but unremarkable. The cinematography captures the period setting effectively, but there is a lack of creativity in the execution. The film relies on a muted color palette and conventional framing, failing to bring a distinctive visual style to the table.

Additionally, the climax of the film, which should be the emotional crescendo, feels rushed and unsatisfying. The resolution of the murder mystery is presented in a manner that leaves too many questions unanswered, robbing the audience of a fulfilling conclusion.

In conclusion, “Lizzie” has its moments, primarily due to the strong performances of Sevigny and Stewart. However, these highlights are overshadowed by a plodding pace, a lackluster script, and a failure to fully capitalize on the potential of its source material. While the film may appeal to fans of true crime stories and period dramas, it ultimately falls short of being a standout entry in either genre.

IMDB